ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal launched the findings of the 7th Agricultural Census 2024 on Wednesday, showing a marked increase in the country’s population of livestock, agriculture farm households and cultivated area, state media reported. 

Pakistan conducts its agricultural census every 10 years, with authorities conducting the last one in 2010. The main purpose of the census is to provide information about the agrarian structure of the country for baseline data for food security and better livelihood of the population, and to share estimates for the population of livestock. 

As per the findings of the census launched by Iqbal, Pakistan’s agriculture farm households have risen to 11.7 million households in 2024 from 8.3 million in 2010.

“As per the 7th Agricultural Census 2024 data, livestock increased to 251.3 million in 2024 from 143 million in 2006 with the growth of 3.18 percent per annum,” state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported. 

The broadcaster said Pakistan’s cultivated area increased from 42.6 million acres in 2010 to 52.8 million acres in 2024, adding that 79 percent of the cultivated area in the country is irrigated by canals and tube wells. 

Speaking at the launching ceremony, Iqbal said agriculture remains the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, noting that it contributes significantly to the country’s GDP, exports and employment. 

“He commended the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics for introducing innovation, transparency, and precision in data collection, which is vital in planning for the country’s economic growth and prosperity,” Radio Pakistan said. 

Agriculture constitutes the largest sector of Pakistan’s economy, as per the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), with the majority of the country’s population, directly or indirectly, depending on it.

As per the PBS, agriculture contributes about 24 percent to the GDP and accounts for half of Pakistan’s employed labor force. It is also the largest source of foreign exchange earnings.